WASHINGTON, D.C. John Russell, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) chairman, recently told HOTEL BUSINESS. that a short list of possible candidates to replace Bill Fisher in his position as the association s president/CEO will be compiled by June 5, with the list being cut even shorter on June 19.
Shortly thereafter, according to Russell, someone will be extended an offer and we hope to have him or her identified and in place somewhere between July 1 and July 15.
In outlining the criteria for selection, Russell indicated that the AH&LA is looking for a good executive someone who may have been a CEO or senior officer at a hospitality company.
In light of the AH&LA s current focus on increasing membership, Russell stipulated that Fisher s replacement must possess a strong marketing acumen and be able to skillfully recruit members and promote the association.
Russell noted that a committee comprised of select AH&LA members will make the final decision and that if a candidate is not selected by July 1, someone from within the AH&LA ranks will take over the post temporarily until a definitive replacement has been named.
As previously reported by HOTEL BUSINESS., Russell is also moving ahead with the AH&LA membership drive promotion, and, beginning on Memorial Day, May 28, will begin the promotion which drops AH&LA membership fees to $1 per room. Russell noted that the final touches are being put on the marketing brochures to support the promotion and that the field team is getting ready to visit 100 companies in 100 days to recruit new members.
As a result of this promotion, I am forecasting that our membership will increase by between 200,000 300,000 rooms within the hundred days, said Russell. (5/4/01) Kelly Wayne